If you’re also remotely into email newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Custom Fields…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to pick the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after virtually one decade of helping people browse email marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not just dabble. I moved every little thing over. Below’s why you could intend to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy interface and a faithful community of writers. But when it involves monetization and target market possession, they falter. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy on paper, right? Like, extra presence, even more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t real customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a checklist … that you do not possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a real relationship. That’s just how it ought to be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Currently let’s chat cash. Each time someone pays for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re stealing simply over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra cash accumulates fast, particularly if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to develop a business (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your revenues before you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to simply tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, truly clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No customers vanishing right into the void. Also attaching my site was fine– okay, the designing took a bit of effort, yet hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s great. Actually excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully written e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit manual, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping problem.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they really desire you to grow your audience. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing clients bring in brand-new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the biggest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that links you with actual sponsors.
Customizable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning greater than I ever did on my old platform and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many newsletter devices don’t care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past issues
- Custom-made forms, branding and Beehiiv Custom Fields
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for most makers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click rates. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from form to open to buy. And that type of presence? Valuable when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the odd side situations.
Yet below’s things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I’ve already seen updates turn out based upon customer feedback, and that’s a really good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Custom Fields
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your list quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your customers,
- To actually earn money without platform charges,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail contractors …
After that of course, you ought to definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. Yet if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV nightmares here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better money making tools, no platform charges, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.